News Release

PACD Endorses SB 1020

(Harrisburg, PA) - The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc., (PACD) today announces its endorsement and support of SB 1020 which recodifies Act 217, the law creating Pennsylvania's conservation districts. Act 217, first enacted in 1945, was created to enhance conservation of Pennsylvania's natural resources.

Since 1945 numerous environmental changes have occurred throughout the Commonwealth. During the last 60 years the conservation district role in local communities has evolved as well. Many natural resource programs have changed, others have been created, and still more have been expanded to meet our citizen's growing needs. Throughout the last half century, however, one constant has been the presence of conservation districts and their willingness to assist local communities and citizens with their environmental concerns.

Today, conservation districts are such an integral part of the local natural resource protection agenda that Senator Wonderling and the PACD have realized the need to again update Act 217, matching the growing responsibilities of conservation districts with the implementing law. Victor Cappucci, President of PACD, stated "This bill includes changes sought by PACD such as ensuring sufficient staff at the State Conservation Commission level, providing training and state assistance to conservation district staff, and updating the process for local conservation district board members to be appointed." He concluded, "It is an honor to support Senator Wonderling in his efforts to assist conservation districts by introducing SB 1020 and allowing conservation districts to make even greater strides toward conservation stewardship. I would like to publicly thank Senator Wonderling for his leadership and willingness to make the Conservation District Law a legislative priority."

SB 1020 designates conservation districts as the primary local government unit responsible for the conservation of natural resources in the Commonwealth. It specifically states that districts are responsible for implementing programs, projects and activities to quantify, prevent and control non-point sources of pollution.

An important provision incorporated into SB 1020 delineates the roles and responsibilities of the PA Department of Agriculture and the PA Department of Environmental Protection in assisting the State Conservation Commission (SCC) to fulfill its duties. The goal is to establish an improved system facilitating cooperation and coordination between the agencies to eliminate overlapping functions. A single point of contact will be established for the support, funding, administration and oversight of conservation districts.

PACD, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization representing Pennsylvania's 66 conservation districts. For more information on the PACD visit www.pacd.org.

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